The Saudi Arabia joins US strikes on Iran-backed militia operation has intensified tensions across the Middle East following coordinated military action in Iraq. According to reports covered by The Times of Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United States carried out strikes targeting an Iran-backed militia after a series of attacks linked to Iranian forces.
The US Central Command (Centcom) stated that the joint operation targeted what it described as “Iran-aligned terrorists” that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had directed to attack both US military personnel and Saudi energy infrastructure.
Although Centcom did not identify the militia by name, the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) confirmed that at least 10 of its members were killed during the strikes.
Saudi Arabia Joins US Strikes on Iran-Backed Militia Following Missile Exchange
The military action came shortly after Iran launched what Centcom described as “multiple” ballistic missiles in an attempted surprise attack against American forces stationed in the Middle East. According to the US military, the missiles were fired at 17:45 EDT (21:45 GMT) on Tuesday, but every missile was successfully intercepted.
Iran, however, stated that the intended target was a US military base in Jordan.
Separately, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it had struck three oil tankers operating in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Tasnim News Agency.
US and Saudi Airstrikes Target Logistics and Weapons Sites
Centcom announced that US and Saudi fighter aircraft conducted coordinated strikes on multiple logistics and weapons facilities across eastern Iraq.
According to the statement, the operation was carried out in response to more than 30 aerial drone attacks over the previous 72 hours that were allegedly directed by the IRGC.
The US military described those drone attacks as “unwarranted” and said they had been unsuccessful.
Centcom also warned that the IRGC and its affiliated groups must stop these attacks to prevent additional US military action.
PMF Condemns Joint Military Operation
The Popular Mobilisation Forces criticized the US-Saudi strikes, calling them a dangerous escalation and describing them as a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty.
The PMF is a coalition that includes several pro-Iranian militias. These groups have long formed part of Iran’s regional network of proxy forces used to expand its influence throughout the Middle East.
Over the years, these militias have repeatedly launched attacks against US personnel and facilities in Iraq, seeking the withdrawal of remaining American troops. In response, the United States has regularly carried out retaliatory strikes.
Saudi Arabia Reports Drone Interceptions
Earlier on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia announced that its military had intercepted and destroyed drones aimed at petroleum facilities in the country’s eastern region.
Defence Ministry spokesman Maj Gen Turki al-Maliki alleged that the drones had been launched from Iraqi territory by Iran-affiliated militia groups.
Renewed Fighting After Brief Pause
The latest military exchange ended a short period of reduced hostilities.
Only two days earlier, US President Donald Trump had described discussions with Iran as “very friendly negotiations.” At that stage, neither side had exchanged strikes for three consecutive days.
The temporary pause followed 13 consecutive nights of US bombing operations that reportedly destroyed tunnels and bridges in southern Iran. Those strikes were reported to have resulted in dozens of deaths.
Despite Trump’s comments, Iran has denied that negotiations are taking place.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Central to Regional Tensions
Control and access to the Strait of Hormuz continue to be one of the most significant issues surrounding the ongoing dispute.
Growing concerns that renewed fighting could disrupt global energy shipments through the waterway pushed oil prices higher on Wednesday morning.
During Asian trading, Brent crude rose 4.3% to $87.70 per barrel, while US-traded crude increased 4.2% to $82.62 per barrel.
Netanyahu Visits Washington During Escalation
The latest military developments coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington.
During the visit, Netanyahu met President Donald Trump at the White House and also attended the funeral of US Senator Lindsey Graham, who had been widely recognized as a strong advocate of a firm policy toward Iran.
Pentagon Reports Rising Number of Military Casualties
According to recent Pentagon data, at least 624 US military service members have been wounded since President Trump ordered strikes against Iran in February.
The Pentagon added that 417 of those injuries were connected to Operation Epic Fury, the joint US-Israeli military campaign against Iran.
As The Times of Russia continues monitoring developments, the Saudi Arabia joins US strikes on Iran-backed militia conflict remains one of the most significant flashpoints affecting regional security, global oil markets, and wider geopolitical stability.
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